Redwood vs. Cherry for Table - What is The Difference?

Redwood offers exceptional durability, natural resistance to decay, and a warm reddish hue, making it ideal for long-lasting outdoor tables. Cherry wood features a smooth grain, rich reddish-brown color, and ages with a deep patina, perfect for elegant indoor table designs.

Table of Comparison

Introduction: Redwood vs Cherry for Table Making

Redwood and cherry are two popular hardwoods chosen for table making, each offering distinct aesthetic and functional qualities. Redwood is prized for its rich reddish hue and natural resistance to decay and insects, making it ideal for durable, outdoor, or rustic-style tables. Cherry wood boasts a smooth texture and warm, reddish-brown coloration that deepens over time, favored for elegant indoor furniture with a fine-grain finish.

Wood Characteristics: Redwood and Cherry

Redwood is prized for its lightweight, straight-grained texture and natural resistance to decay and insects, making it ideal for outdoor tables exposed to varying weather conditions. Cherry wood, known for its rich, warm reddish-brown color and fine, smooth grain, ages beautifully by darkening over time, offering an elegant, classic look for indoor tables. Both woods provide durability, but cherry's hardness surpasses redwood, contributing to greater resistance against dents and scratches.

Durability and Lifespan Comparison

Redwood offers excellent durability due to its natural resistance to decay, insects, and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor tables with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years when properly maintained. Cherry wood, while less resistant to environmental factors, provides moderate durability and ages gracefully with a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, favored for its rich color and smooth finish in indoor settings. Redwood's superior resistance to rot and weathering typically results in a longer-lasting table compared to cherry, especially in exposure-prone environments.

Aesthetic Differences: Color and Grain

Redwood tables showcase a warm, reddish-brown hue with a straight, fine grain pattern that exudes rustic charm and natural elegance. Cherry wood presents a rich, reddish-pink to deep mahogany color that darkens with age, featuring a smooth, tight grain that offers a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic. The contrast between redwood's bold, pronounced patterns and cherry's subtle, uniform grain makes each ideal for different interior styles and design preferences.

Workability and Ease of Crafting

Redwood offers excellent workability due to its lightweight and softness, making it easy to cut, shape, and sand for table crafting. Cherry wood, while harder and denser than redwood, provides smooth finishing and holds details well, ideal for intricate woodworking. Both woods have favorable crafting qualities, but redwood excels in ease of handling, whereas cherry provides superior durability and a refined surface texture.

Maintenance and Care Requirements

Redwood tables require minimal maintenance due to natural resistance to decay and insects, needing only occasional cleaning and resealing every few years to maintain appearance and durability. Cherry wood tables demand more frequent care, including regular dusting, polishing, and protection from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and surface damage. Both woods benefit from controlled humidity levels to prevent warping, but cherry's denser grain structure makes it slightly more susceptible to scratches and dents compared to Redwood.

Cost and Availability

Redwood is generally more affordable and readily available due to its abundance and faster growth rate, making it a cost-effective choice for table construction. Cherry wood tends to be more expensive because of its slower growth and limited supply, resulting in higher prices and less availability. Both woods offer durability, but Redwood's economic advantage appeals especially to budget-conscious consumers.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Redwood tables offer a sustainable choice due to the tree's rapid growth and renewable harvesting practices, resulting in lower carbon footprints compared to slower-growing hardwoods. Cherry wood, while durable and aesthetically pleasing, often comes from older, slower-growing trees, which can contribute to deforestation and higher environmental costs. Opting for FSC-certified redwood or reclaimed cherry wood enhances sustainability and minimizes ecological impact in furniture production.

Best Uses: Redwood vs Cherry Tables

Redwood tables excel in outdoor settings due to their natural resistance to decay and moisture, making them ideal for patios, garden furniture, and rustic designs. Cherry tables are preferred for indoor use, valued for their smooth texture, rich reddish-brown color, and ability to develop a deep patina over time, perfect for formal dining rooms and elegant office desks. Both woods offer durability, but cherry is best suited for refined interiors while redwood shines in weather-exposed environments.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Wood for Your Table

Redwood offers exceptional durability and natural resistance to decay, making it ideal for outdoor or rustic-style tables that require longevity and a rich reddish hue. Cherry wood provides a smooth grain and warms over time with a deep, elegant patina, perfect for indoor furniture emphasizing classic aesthetics and fine craftsmanship. Selecting between redwood and cherry depends on the desired table location, durability needs, and aesthetic preferences, with redwood excelling in rustic durability and cherry in refined beauty.